Charm's Choices ~ 2011

[Weave]

Its on mine too, but I need to resist the temptation just for the moment....so many books so little money

 

I'm the same pickle

[Charm]

I never thought I'd admit to finding a vampire dreamy.. but yes, he sure is!

 

We both have impeccable taste!

 

Wait. What? Hold the phone! There's a dreamy vampire in a Discovery of Witches??!!

 

Ooooh yes, he's powerful, strong, handsome, very rich and deadly. What more could a warmblooded human want? You really should get your hands on this peace, I think it's totally up your ally!

 

 

I just added A Discovery Of Witches to my wishlist, it sounds good

 

 

Its on mine too, but I need to resist the temptation just for the moment....so many books so little money

 

I've just finished it girls, I think you two would both like it. It's just the sort of thing I imagine you would both enjoy reading

[Charm]

Sin Undone ~by~ Larissa Ione

 

Synopsis courtesy of Waterstone's:

HER TOUCH IS DEADLY As the only female Seminus demon ever born, master assassin Sinead Donnelly is used to being treated like an outcast. She spent decades enslaved and now vows she'll die before she'll relinquish her freedom again. Then Sin's innate ability to kill her enemies goes awry: She creates a lethal new werewolf virus that sparks a firestorm of panic and violence. HIS HUNGER CAN'T BE DENIED Half-werewolf, half-vampire Conall Dearghul is charged with bringing in Sin to face punishment for the plague. And she's no stranger: He's bound to her by blood and the one sexual encounter they shared has left him hungering for her raw sensuality. Worse, Sin is the underworld's most wanted and Con soon learns he's the only one who can help her ...and that saving her life might mean sacrificing his own.

 

This is the 5th book in the Demonica series by Larissa Ione, which this time follows Sinead, Lore's sister and master of the demonic assasin den. I thoroughly enjoy these type of books, a guilty pleasure really. They're packed full of action, supernatural battles and romance, although definitely not YA, and I would recommend it to anyone who likes authors like J R Ward and Gena Showalter.

 

9/10

[Charm]

City Of Fallen Angels - Mortal Instruments 4 ~by~ Cassandra Clare

 

Synopsis Courtesy Of Waterstone's:

Simon Lewis is having some trouble adjusting to his new life as a vampire, especially now that he hardly sees his best friend Clary, who is caught up in training to be a Shadowhunter - and spending time with her new boyfriend, Jace. Simon decides he needs a break and heads out of the city - only to discover that sinister events are following him. Realizing that the war they thought they'd won might not yet be over, Simon has to call on his Shadowhunter friends to save the day - if they can put their own splintering relationships on hold long enough to rise to the challenge.

 

This would have to be one of my favourite YA series so far, I haven't been let down yet by any of the books and this one is no exception. The books are well thought out, with plots which unfold nicely throughout. The characters are interesting and likeable, with more to learn about them as the series progresses. City of Fallen Angels left us with a humdinger of a cliffhanger too which now means I can't wait for the next one!

 

If you are in any way a fan of the young adult fantasy genre, then I can definitely recommend this series.

 

9/10

[Weave]

I didn't read your review hen (because I have still to start the series) but I saw that you enjoyed it! I am looking forward to starting the series.

[Charm]

A Discovery Of Witches ~by~ Deborah Harkness

 

Synopsis Courtesy of Waterstone's:

An epic, richly inventive, historically sweeping, magical romance. When historian Diana Bishop opens an alchemical manuscript in the Bodleian Library, it's an unwelcome intrusion of magic into her carefully ordered life. Though Diana is a witch of impeccable lineage, the violent death of her parents while she was still a child convinced her that human fear is more potent than any witchcraft. Now Diana has unwittingly exposed herself to a world she's kept at bay for years; one of powerful witches, creative, destructive daemons and long-lived vampires. Sensing the significance of Diana's discovery, the creatures gather in Oxford, among them the enigmatic Matthew Clairmont, a vampire genticist. Diana is inexplicably drawn to Matthew and, in a shadowy world of half-truths and old enmities, ties herself to him without fully understanding the ancient line they are crossing. As they begin to unlock the secrets of the manuscript and their feelings for each other deepen, so the fragile balance of peace unravels...

 

I didn't know what I was really expecting when I bought this book, in fact the sheer size of it's hugh hardback form was rather daunting, even though the synopsis was very tempting. However, as soon as I started it I knew I was in for a treat, and what a treat it was, I loved it! It is written in a way that doesn't bore you with facts and dates about the necessary history element, on the contrary, it was fascinating to read. The magical elements were woven into the historical facts in a believable (well as believeable as magic is) and often funny way and I found myself laughing out loud several times. It wasn't action packed per say, it was an easy going tale, although it moved along nicely and kept me completely engrossed.

 

The characters were wonderful, (I am now totally in love with Matthew Clairmont) and I thoroughly enjoyed reading about how the relationship between Matthew and Diana progressed and how it affected the storyline. It did become rather far fetched, even for a fantasy book, towards the end, but I don't care, this is my favourite read of the year so far and would now be among my top ten favourite books. A Discovery Of Witches is the first in a trilogy and I will most definitely be getting the next two in the series.

 

10/10

[Charm]

I didn't read your review hen (because I have still to start the series) but I saw that you enjoyed it! I am looking forward to starting the series.

 

 

Oh don't worry, it's just general thoughts with no spoilers. I can almost guarantee that you will love this series Weave, read it ASAP!

[Weave]

Oh don't worry, it's just general thoughts with no spoilers. I can almost guarantee that you will love this series Weave, read it ASAP!

 

Its next on the pile

[pickle]

A Discovery Of Witches ~by~ Deborah Harkness

 

Synopsis Courtesy of Waterstone's:

An epic, richly inventive, historically sweeping, magical romance. When historian Diana Bishop opens an alchemical manuscript in the Bodleian Library, it's an unwelcome intrusion of magic into her carefully ordered life. Though Diana is a witch of impeccable lineage, the violent death of her parents while she was still a child convinced her that human fear is more potent than any witchcraft. Now Diana has unwittingly exposed herself to a world she's kept at bay for years; one of powerful witches, creative, destructive daemons and long-lived vampires. Sensing the significance of Diana's discovery, the creatures gather in Oxford, among them the enigmatic Matthew Clairmont, a vampire genticist. Diana is inexplicably drawn to Matthew and, in a shadowy world of half-truths and old enmities, ties herself to him without fully understanding the ancient line they are crossing. As they begin to unlock the secrets of the manuscript and their feelings for each other deepen, so the fragile balance of peace unravels...

 

I didn't know what I was really expecting when I bought this book, in fact the sheer size of it's hugh hardback form was rather daunting, even though the synopsis was very tempting. However, as soon as I started it I knew I was in for a treat, and what a treat it was, I loved it! It is written in a way that doesn't bore you with facts and dates about the necessary history element, on the contrary, it was fascinating to read. The magical elements were woven into the historical facts in a believable (well as believeable as magic is) and often funny way and I found myself laughing out loud several times. It wasn't action packed per say, it was an easy going tale, although it moved along nicely and kept me completely engrossed.

 

The characters were wonderful, (I am now totally in love with Matthew Clairmont) and I thoroughly enjoyed reading about how the relationship between Matthew and Diana progressed and how it affected the storyline. It did become rather far fetched, even for a fantasy book, towards the end, but I don't care, this is my favourite read of the year so far and would now be among my top ten favourite books. A Discovery Of Witches is the first in a trilogy and I will most definitely be getting the next two in the series.

 

10/10

 

La la la I just went and put this in my basket on Amazon....and I am about to press buy....what are you doing to me

[Charm]

La la la I just went and put this in my basket on Amazon....and I am about to press buy....what are you doing to me

 

Uh-oh .... I really really hope you like it now!

[chesilbeach]

A Discovery Of Witches ~by~ Deborah Harkness

 

I've just checked and it's available on Kindle - well at least I know what I'll be reading this weekend now!

[Charm]

I've just checked and it's available on Kindle - well at least I know what I'll be reading this weekend now!

 

Oh I think you'll like it chesil, don't plan much for the weekend, you'll want to read!

 

Well at least I hope you do!

Edited April 13, 2011 by Charm

[Peacefield]

YES! More sexy vampire books!! Can't wait to get this!

 

Oh, um, Charm? Does Deborah Harkness write like Stephenie Meyer or Charlaine Harris? IfyouknowwhatImeanandIthinkyoudo

[Charm]

YES! More sexy vampire books!! Can't wait to get this!

 

Oh, um, Charm? Does Deborah Harkness write like Stephenie Meyer or Charlaine Harris? IfyouknowwhatImeanandIthinkyoudo

 

Oh my, what a hard question! I would say both. Now I know that doesn't make sense but here's my reasoning. There's no reason why a mature young adult couldn't read it, but at the same time, the book felt more grown up than Stephanie Meyer's books. I've got it! She writes like Katherine Howe with a bit of historical Elizabeth Kostova thrown in, and a mix of Kelley Armstrong

 

Does that help? I'm not very good at this review and description stuff

[chesilbeach]

Oh I think you'll like it chesil, don't plan much for the weekend, you'll want to read!

 

Well at least I hope you do!

 

It's downloading on my Kindle as I'm writing this - can't wait to make a start on it, but must try and finish my current book first

[Peacefield]

Oh my, what a hard question! I would say both. Now I know that doesn't make sense but here's my reasoning. There's no reason why a mature young adult couldn't read it, but at the same time, the book felt more grown up than Stephanie Meyer's books. I've got it! She writes like Katherine Howe with a bit of historical Elizabeth Kostova thrown in, and a mix of Kelley Armstrong

 

Does that help? I'm not very good at this review and description stuff

 

Yes, that helps loads! You are a superstar reviewer and description-er .

[Weave]

She writes like Katherine Howe with a bit of historical Elizabeth Kostova thrown in, and a mix of Kelley Armstrong

 

Does that help? I'm not very good at this review and description stuff

 

It sounds awesome, you have explained well hen

[Charm]

It's downloading on my Kindle as I'm writing this - can't wait to make a start on it, but must try and finish my current book first

 

Excellent! I just hope I haven't over hyped it because I loved it so much, and that everyone who's rushing to buy and read it actually likes it too!

 

Yes, that helps loads! You are a superstar reviewer and description-er .

 

 

It sounds awesome, you have explained well hen

 

Aw thanks Please let me know what you think when you read it, I hope you both like it too!

[Charm]

 

Unholy Ghosts ~by~ Stacia Kane

 

Synopsis courtesy of Waterstone's:

The Downside Ghosts. Murderous spirits and ruthless drug dealers combine to create serious problems for fiercely independent heroine, Chess, in these fast-paced, sexy and addictive novels -- fitting for a witch with a serious drug problem. The world is not the way it was. The dead have risen and constantly attack the living. The powerful Church of Real Truth, in charge since the government fell, has sworn to reimburse citizens being harassed by the deceased. Consequently, there are many false claims of hauntings from those hoping to profit. Enter Chess Putnam, a fully-tattooed witch and freewheeling Debunker and ghost hunter. She's got a real talent for nailing the human liars or banishing the wicked dead. But she's keeping a dark secret from the Church: a little drug problem that's landed her in hot and dangerous water. Chess owes a murderous drug lord named Bump a lot of money. And Bump wants immediate payback. All Chess has to do is dispatch a very nasty species of undead from an old airport. But the job involves black magic, human sacrifice, a nefarious demonic creature, and crossing swords with enough wicked energy to wipe out a city of souls. Toss in lust with a rival gang leader and a dangerous attraction to Bump's ruthless enforcer, and Chess begins to wonder if the rush is really worth it. Hell, yeah.

 

I've never read anything by Stacia Kane before, or even heard anything about her work. I picked this up in a bargain book shop and thought it looked interesting because of the blurb. I'm still not sure exactly what I thought of it. The story moved along swiftly enough and did have more than enough action to keep me entertained. However, I didn't really warm to the main character at all, which I think was the main thing putting me off the whole book. Plus the secondary characters spoke in a kind of disjointed english, which became very annoying to read. I'm not sure if I'd get the next ones in the series, perhaps if they were another bargain as I know sometimes the first of a series isn't always the best.

 

5/10

 

[Charm]

Night Tales ~by~ Nora Roberts

 

Night Shift

The calls came like clockwork -- a cold, hate-filled voice telling late-night radio announcer Cilla O'Roarke that she was going to die. The never-ending threats had finally made her a believer. She was desperate -- desperate enough to accept police protection. Cilla preferred to keep her distance from the police, and she had her reasons. But there was something about Boyd Fletcher that made him difficult to ignore. He was strong, laconic, infuriating and clearly determined to watch over her every second of the day -- and night. And the trouble was, the more Cilla saw of her unwanted bodyguard, the more she wanted him to share the night she loved.

 

Nightshade

Colt Nightshade couldn't believe his luck partnering on a case with Lt. Althea Grayson. But the breathtaking ice goddess was strictly by-the-book. . . . The hours between dusk and dawn are filled with mystery, danger, and romance in this dark and dazzling classic tale of passion and peril by the incomparable mistress of romantic suspense.

 

Night Smoke

Ryan Piasecki: A man's man. A woman's fantasy. The kind of guy who got the job done, no matter what the obstacles...or how beautiful they were.

Natalie Fletcher: Cool, calm, collected. Until someone started making trouble for her business...and he showed up.

Arson investigator Ryan Piasecki came from the street, and he wasn't exactly the type to make nice with an upper-crust business executive like Natalie Fletcher. His business was fires - and his instincts told him the one at Fletcher Industries was no accident. They told him something else, too - that the sparks flying between him and this very classy lady had all the makings of a five-alarm blaze...

 

These are 3 books out of the Night Tales series by Nora Roberts which again, I got in a bargain book shop. The covers looked promising enough and I was looking forward to a plot of crime action with a bit of romance thrown in - it was the other way around. The books were very Mills & Boonish and concentrated mostly on the romance with the crime story taking a very far back seat. They weren't too bad, actually I quite enjoyed them, even though they were very far fetched with the whole 'love at first sight' thing and 'happy ever afters'. Quick reads, no real need to be read in order as they're all pretty much the same, but not bad 'in between book' fillers as they can easily be read in a day. Not sure if I'll be buying any more though lol

 

6/10

[Charm]

 

The Forest Of Hands & Teeth ~by~ Carrie Ryan

 

Synopsis courtesy of Waterstone's

In Mary's world there are simple truths. The Sisterhood always knows best. The Guardians will protect and serve. The Unconsecrated will never relent. And you must always mind the fence that surrounds the village; the fence that protects the village from the Forest of Hands and Teeth. But, slowly, Mary's truths are failing her. She's learning things she never wanted to know about the Sisterhood and its secrets, and the Guardians and their power, and about the Unconsecrated and their relentlessness. When the fence is breached and her world is thrown into chaos, she must choose between her village and her future - between the one she loves and the one who loves her. And she must face the truth about the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Could there be life outside a world surrounded in so much death?

 

I really wasn't sure about reading this one, despite great reviews, for a couple of reasons. I'm not usually a fan of apocolyptic type tales and I've an irrational fear of zombies, or in this case they're called 'The Unconsecrated'. However, I decided to approach it with an open mind as I was assured I would like it and indeed I did. The storyline was much faster paced than I'd thought it would be, which kept me wanting to read on to see what happened, resulting in me flying through it when I did eventually get the chance to read. The plot was well thought out with enough back history to make the story plausable. The characters were interesting and well rounded, although sometimes Mary would infuriate me with her unwillingness to speak up even though I understood why! I did also get rather apprehensive each time the unconsecrated appeared, but I persevered through the scenes, congratulating myself each time I did so.

 

All in all, a surprisingly good read for me and I'm looking forward to read the next installments.

 

8/10

 

[Charm]

Generation Dead Series ~by~ Daniel Waters

 

Kiss Of Life

When Phoebe's best friend Adam takes a bullet for her, it proves everyone right - Adam is in love with her. And now that he's come back to life, Phoebe's presence may be more important than ever. They say that a zombie can come back from death faster if they're loved...and kissed - which means Phoebe has to say goodbye to Tommy Williams, the other zombie in her life. While coaxing Adam back to reality and fending off Tommy's advances, Phoebe continues to carry on as if everything's normal. But normal has been different since American teenagers started rising from their graves. Although some try to bridge the gap between the living and the differently biotic, there are scores of people who want nothing more than to send all of the undead back to their graves. And the dead kids in Phoebe's school don't like that one bit...

 

Another zombie read for me, this time they're on the good side though. The story continues straight on from the first book and I got totally immersed in it straight away. It was great to read how the zombification process occured through Adam's point of view and lovely to watch his relationship grow with Phoebe. Through background story we learned more about the secondary characters which I enjoyed. Great 2nd installment.

 

8/10

 

Passing Strange

Karen DeSonne always passed as a normal teenager - and now that she's dead, she's still passing - this time, as alive. When her dead friends are accused of a high profile murder and forced into hiding, she has to prove their innocence. Which means doing the unthinkable and becoming the girlfriend of bionist zealot Peter Martinsburg, who she suspects of framing them. But if he finds out who Karen really is, the consequences for her will be worse than death...

 

This book focuses on Karen, a cool and collected character from the previous books and is told mostly from her point of view. In it we get to know her a lot better and get a much better understanding of her character and why she is the way she is. I would say this installment is my favourite so far, I began to really like Karen and even began to wonder did I get it wrong about Pete, the villian. It got a bit confusing with Pete in the end with what was happening to him, and I've still got a couple of questions there. But overall a great YA read and one series that I hope will be continued.

 

8/10

[Charm]

You Belong To Me ~by~ Karen Rose

 

Synopsis courtesy of Waterstone's:

When forensic pathologist Lucy Trask stumbles across a mutilated body by the chess tables in her local Baltimore park, its face so badly damaged it is unrecognisable, her sole concern is that it might be her old school teacher Mr Pugh. When the corpse is identified, Lucy is shocked to discover that the victim is actually another man from her past. Who killed him and why his skin is burnt with the number '1' is unclear but it's evident that someone is demanding Lucy's attention. The discovery of a second branded body raises worrying questions: how many more lives may be at risk before the killer's final message is revealed? And can Lucy solve the killer's gruesome puzzle before their thirst for revenge is complete?

 

Karen Rose has to be one of my favourite authors. This latest book did not disappoint. Another thriller with twists and turns, and a plot which unfolds brilliantly, keeping me entertained to the very end. Add all this to great characters and I had a book which I thoroughly enjoyed.

 

10/10

 

Edited June 12, 2011 by Charm

[Charm]

 

One Scream Away ~by~ Katy Brady

 

Synopsis courtesy of Waterstone's:

One step away...Seven years ago Beth Denison was attacked by a killer named Chevy Bankes. Since then, she's created a new life for herself and her daughter. But now Bankes is out of prison and the gifts he sends her ? disfigured dolls that carry the same mutilations as his victims ? tells Beth he's coming for her. One breath away...Ex-FBI agent Neil Sheridan is driven to investigate a chain of murders that are eerily similar to a disturbing case from his past. When the killer's trail dead-ends at Beth's doorstep, Neil finds a beautiful woman with a secret she'll do anything to keep. One scream away...Yet even as Beth surrenders to Neil's protection, she can't tell him why Bankes hungers to hear her scream, and why she'll soon consider doing the unthinkable: face Bankes alone.

 

This was a quite surprising read for me. I was expecting a more romance style book but it ended up being a great little thriller with a dash of romance thrown in. It was indeed a very pleasant surprise. I enjoyed the way it was written, I liked the main characters and the plot was well thought out. It reminded me a lot of Karen Rose's thrillers, not just as good but enjoyable nontheless.

 

8/10

 



 

Edited June 12, 2011 by Charm

[Charm]

 

Last To Die ~by~ Katy Brady

 

Synopsis courtesy of Waterstone's:

She'll charm you, punish you, then kill you...Mia Kettering is a ruthless killer who hides in plain sight. Indeed, no one believes that a beautiful, wealthy socialite could be capable of murder. But now she's begun her master plan that will leave six women dead, punished for their dark pasts. Detective Dani Cole is determined to track down a serial killer whose victims include a young woman she pulled out of a life of crime. Her investigation leads her to Mitch Sheridan, who once saved her life but then disappeared. With danger hot on their heels, Dani and Mitch unearth a deathly chain of deception that leads to a killer who is closer than they think - and more terrifying than they imagine...

 

This is the sequel to One Scream Away by the same author, again which I really enjoyed. The writing is quick and the story moves along at a good rate. Despite knowing who the killer is from the outset (author's choice), it didn't disappoint or mar my enjoyment of the story at all. I definitely intend to read more by this author.

 

8/10

 

Edited June 12, 2011 by Charm